Nathan Cleverly eager to follow in Joe Calzaghe's footsteps

Nathan Cleverly works out in East London's Peacock Gym last month ahead this Saturday's world title defence. Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA

Nathan Cleverly will be proud to follow in the footsteps of his countryman Joe Calzaghe when he defends the WBO light-heavyweight title in the US for the first time.

The 25-year-old Welshman faces South Dakota's Shawn Hawk at Los Angeles' Staples Centre on Saturday night on the undercard of the WBC super-bantamweight showdown between Anselmo Moreno and unbeaten title holder Abner Mares.

Cleverly is also an undefeated world champion heading into his 25th professional contest, the same position enjoyed by Calzaghe when he brought down the curtain on an unblemished 46-fight career with a landslide points win over ring legend Roy Jones Jr at New York's Madison Square Garden four years ago.

"It's a really proud moment for me," Cleverly said. "Joe retired, he was looking for a new star to come through and take over the mantle. Fortunately and thankfully I've fallen into that category.

"It's a pleasure taking on that role as world champion, keeping the flag flying high and doing the nation proud."